Van Gerwen’s: I Only Have Myself to Blame for the Defeat

Michael van Gerwen offered no excuses following his exit in the Last 16. While the Dutchman suggested that he wasn't necessarily the inferior player, he admitted that his frequent mistakes proved fatal."To be honest, I don't think I was the weaker player, but Gary was sharper in the key moments. He was clinical, and at this level, you get punished heavily for that," Van Gerwen lamented, acknowledging his inconsistent scoring. "I had too many visits without a treble, and that was the problem. Ultimately, it’s about that one crucial dart at the right time, and today, I missed those opportunities too often."Although he clawed back to 2-1, Anderson responded with vital checkouts like 81 and 84. "In those moments, you think there’s still a chance, but I have to be honest and give him credit. He checked out 81 or 84 when it hurt the most. That’s world-class performance. I only have myself to blame; I never found my rhythm. When you feel good, everything flows faster and smoother—everyone knows how it works at my level, but it just wasn't there tonight."